The Schmetzer-Lagerwey seat of leadership for the Seattle Sounders can best be defined in words that describe ancient empires. Entering just their fifth full season together they already have two MLS Cups and two other appearances in the final. They are just the latest duo to sit in the throne of this dynasty, with Schmid-Hanauer, Schmetzer-Hanauer, and so many others also featuring notable successes dating back to 1974.
Now, with 2021 training camp open the Sounders face arguably their toughest challenge since their expansion season of 2009. They are tight against the cap as a global pandemic — worse in the USA than most other nations — hampers the final step of scouting.